[Harry Paget Flashman]

Last night I was surfing the web and noticed that Southern Ohio Guns has surplus CZ 82's in 9X18 Makarov available for $249. The CZ 82 is the military model of the CZ 83, both are 12 shot semi-autos. I have a CZ 83 in .380 and it's a great little pistol. CZ's website lists the CZ 83 for $420.

I had my local FFL friend order me one and it should arrive tomorrow, I hope.
S.O.G. lists them in Very Good to Excellent condition.

[MrTuffPaws]

I went to a local store that got a shipment of 82s in. They looked like crap. Rust, pitting, etc. I hope yours is much better than the ones I handled.

After you get it, post some pics.

[alamo]

Curious as to how it compares to a Makarov. Anyone own both?

[Ash]

I have yet to see an 82 that had rust or pitting of any kind. The finish is usually pretty worn, but all the ones I have seen were mechanically in top notch shape with wonderful bores. I would be surprised about any pitting, as that is not what you get from the Czechs. Indeed, I have NEVER seen a Czech weapon with pitting or rust, and that includes the old Mosin 91/38's, the cut-down M91's. There may be some rings in some CZ-52's, but the only rust or pitting I have encountered has come post-import by improper care.

Ash

[Ash]

I own an 82, and used to own a Baikal and East German Mak. The 82's are much finer weapons. The converse is, of course, that the Maks are cheaper and simpler.

Ash

[Tom Servo]

How does the size of the gun compare to something like a P232 or a Mak?

[Ash]

About the size of a Mak but thicker.

Ash

[Harry Paget Flashman]

My CZ 82 came in today. Looks good, was well oiled, has a few minor dings in the finish but no rust or pitting. I'd say it's in very good condition like SOG advertised. They said they'd ship it overnight and it was 23 hours and some change between the time I ordered it and it's arrival. I'm happy with the gun and service.

I do have a question though. My CZ 83 in .380 and the CZ 82 , which is 9X18 Makarov caliber, have magazines that are virtually identical. Are they interchangeable? I would guess they are but don't know for sure. My Bulgarian Mak in 9X18 and Russian Mak in .380 both interchange magazines.

[Walt Sherrill]

The guns use the same mags. The .380 and 9x18 use the same mags, with the 9x18 holding one less round.

[Harry Paget Flashman]

Thanks.

[Trebor]

Harry Paget Flashman,

How about a pic of the new CZ? I've been wondering what the SOG ones look like.

[sgtb]

I purchased one from SOG also and it is a great shooter with a little finish wear but no rust or pitting at all. It is a great addition to my CZ collection. I also have a couple CZ-83's in .380 and numerous makarovs. All of these guns are wonderfull shooters and carry guns.

[M2 Carbine]

I bought a new CZ 83 (9x18) from Makarov.com, about $400.
I own many Makarovs in 9x18 and .380.

The CZ is a nice looking, nice feeling, hi cap pistol.
But it is unreliable (at least mine is). I haven't kept track but it jams a lot with different brands of hollow points. I haven't found a JHP that is totally reliable in the gun.
I thought about carrying it when I first got it but I wouldn't consider that now.

I don't intend getting rid of the pistol but if I knew what it was before I bought it I would have put the $400+ in something else.

My CZ 83 doesn't do anything that a decent Makarov will do just as good or better, except hold more rounds, and the Mak is less than half the price.